Month: November 2018

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

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Down

Join in the festive fun and entertainment at the spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On in Holywood this Saturday! Holywood Chamber of Commerce have organised a Christmas market along Hibernia Street from 12.00pm – 6.00pm, the perfect way to soak up the seasonal atmosphere and even purchase some gifts. A real highlight for children will be a giant inflatable snowman that they can climb inside. Holywood District Community Council will be providing free family activities throughout the afternoon at Holywood Library. They have an exciting children’s fancy dress competition planned that will see the winner join Santa on his sleigh as he makes his way through the town centre and then the lucky child will join Santa and the Mayor of Ards and North Down on stage to switch on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm.

Armagh

Join Armagh Planetarium this Christmas as they journey back more than 2000 years to Bethlehem, and seek to discover an explanation for the star the Wise Men followed to find the baby Jesus in “Mystery of the Christmas Star”.  The show opens on Saturday 24th November and runs until Saturday 5th January 2019.  Show Times: Tuesday – Friday at 2.00pm, Saturday/School Holidays at 2.00pm and 4.00pm.  Evening shows on Tuesdays 4th, 11th and 18th December at 7:30pm.  For more information on show times and to book online visit www.armaghplanet.com.

Fermanagh

Craigville Garden Centre Christmas Craft and Food Fair Enniskillen takes place from  22nd –  25th November.   The Christmas market will be packed full of gorgeous gifts, freshly baked treats, multicultural cuisine and warm drinks, from Craigville’s very own Log Cabin Coffee Shop. The fair also has great potential for some Christmas shopping as Crafters will be offering a range of unique handmade gifts. You are sure to find something special for your nearest and dearest! Entry to the fair is free and kids will have the opportunity to take a selfie with Elfie.

Tyrone

Make your way to Dungannon’s Magical Christmas Kingdom at the Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November, for lots of festive fun and entertainment for all the family to enjoy.  In Ranfurly House you will find; face painting, arts and crafts, the Elf n Safety team, Jump Jiggle and Jive (Saturday only) and the Fizz Wizz Pop magic show (Sunday only).  At the Hill of the O’Neill journey through the Nutcracker realms as you make your way to Santa’s Grotto. Then visit Santa’s stables to meet his real reindeer, make your own reindeer food, meet the LED spinning elves, enjoy a funfair ride, face painting and much more.

Derry/Londonderry

Visit the Magherafelt Christmas market from 11.00am on Saturday 24th  and 1.30pm on Sunday 25 November, and enjoy the vast array of food, craft and entertainment on offer over the festive weekend. On Saturday evening from 6pm – 8.30pm, Santa will arrive for a Street party on Broad Street with a Samba band, fire performers and entertainment before counting down to the magical Christmas lights switch on and fireworks display! Over the festive weekend the Bridewell, Magherafelt will also be home to Santa’s Grotto, Mrs Claus Storytelling & craft activities for children to enjoy. Opening times are: Saturday: 11.00am – 5.00pm; Sunday: 1.30pm – 5.00pm.

Antrim

Stuart Robinson kicks off Christmas in Antrim this Friday evening!  Santa and his friends will arrive at 7.20pm to officially light up the town but be sure to book the kids into the fun and furry teddy bear workshops beforehand. Taking place in Castle Mall at 4pm, 5pm or 6pm, tickets for the workshop are priced at £5 per child and £2.50 per adult. Tickets must be bought in advance from www.theatreatthemill.com.   Adding to the festive spirit will be a Twilight Market which will line the Square offering everything from Christmas gifts, food and treats from local traders as well as Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar’s festive craft market.  A spectacular fireworks display will round off a great festive evening.

Belfast

Winter Wonderland is coming to Belfast City Centre this Christmas!  This Christmas spectacular will help you get into the festive mood from 23rd November, running daily apart from Christmas Day until Sunday 6th January!  Get your skates on for the covered open air ice rink!  Other activities to enjoy include Gandeys Greatest Snowman Circus, Christmas Attractions, Big Wheel, Festive Games, Festive Food, Festive Bars and much more!  Plus Santa’s reindeer will be coming to visit on 15th and 22nd of December. Opening times : 10.00am – 10.00pm daily. New Year’s Day 12 noon – 10.00pm.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (19 – 25 November)

 

  1. The Guildhall Craft & Artisan Food Fair, Derry~Londonderry, 23 – 25 November. Offering a unique Christmas shopping experience with over 40 crafters to choose from, ranging from ceramics, leather, glass and jewellery. With a dedicated Food Fayre located within the ground floor of the Guildhall, this event has something for everyone.
  2. Kirkistown Point to Point, Portavogie, 24 November. Kirkistown point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family, where you will get to witness the future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive racing.
  3. Armagh Georgian Festival, Armagh, 22 – 25 November. Historic buildings open their doors allowing visitors a true insight into life in Armagh City during the Georgian era. This festival includes a Georgian banquet, Georgian costumed figures, street entertainment and festive market stalls, carriage rides, live music, talks and tours.
  4. Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics, Belfast, 25 November. This union of classical music and iconic dance tracks is another bold, brilliant move from one of the most influential figures in dance music performed at the SSE Arena.
  5. Elf The Musical, Belfast, 23 – 24 November. Elf The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Elf The Musical, performed at the Waterfront, is packed full of songs that will have you humming all through Christmas.
  6. Foyle Film Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 16 – 25 November. Showcasing a range of contemporary, classic, cultural and new cinema, the Foyle Film Festival presents a fantastic line-up to suit any film fan. For full line-up, visit FoyleFilmFestival.org.
  7. Studio Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert, Lisburn, 24 November. The Studio Symphony Orchestra returns to the Lagan Valley Island for a Christmas concert guaranteed to get everyone in the festive spirit. This will be a special fun concert, as the orchestra performs a beautiful selection of music with a seasonal theme, from popular Christmas favourites to much-loved orchestral music.
  8. NCAA Friendship Four Ice Hockey Tournament, Belfast, 23 – 24 November. The Friendship Four tournament is a unique opportunity to watch the only NCAA College Hockey tournament to be held outside of the United States. This four game tournament will feature elite athletes from Boston University, Yale University, The University of Connecticut and Union College all competing to lift the Belpot trophy for their University at the SSE Arena.
  9. Cookstown Christmas Lights Switch On, Cookstown, 23 November. With several trees and lights decked along its long main street, combined with stunning views of the Sperrin Mountains in the distance, Cookstown’s Christmas lights are some of the prettiest in Northern Ireland and are truly a sight to behold. With a range of activities for the kids, local vendors supplying tasty food and an appearance from Santa Claus himself, this promises to be a fun night for all the family.
  10. Jimmy Buckley – Live in Concert, Coleraine, 21 November. Jimmy possess a very rare talent, not only as a phenomenal singer but also as a hilarious mimic of other major stars. Jimmy’s show contains a wide variety of material, Country, Big Ballads and tribute medleys to the greats of country music such as Hank Williams & Charlie Pride performed at the Riverside Theatre.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

  • Winter Escape, Cottage Loft, Co. Down from £325 per stay

This five-star apartment offers breathtaking views across Donaghadee Sound towards the Copeland Islands, the Irish Sea and beyond. Take a leisurely walk into the town and visit Ireland’s oldest pub ‘Grace Neills’ or simply relax in this beautiful self-catering apartment. Offer includes two nights’ accommodation with the 3rd night half price. To book call 07496 851 992. Offer available until 10 March 2019.

  • One Night Wine and Dine, Westville Hotel, Co. Fermanagh from £148 per stay

Perfectly located in the heart of Enniskillen’s waterside historic quarter, the four-star Westville Hotel is a sophisticated, yet understated, boutique destination. Offer includes one night’s luxury accommodation, a three-course dinner in the evening with a bottle of house wine and a traditional Irish breakfast in the morning. To book call 028 6632 0333. Offer available until 30 June 2019.

  • One Night B&B, O’Neill Arms Country House Hotel, Co. Antrim from £69 per person sharing

Located on the banks of the River Bann and in the village of Toome, the three-star O’Neill Arms Country House Hotel is a beautiful property surrounded by picturesque countryside. They pride themselves on providing an experience like no other and are located in the perfect area for exploring Mid Ulster. Offer includes an overnight stay with breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 7965 0800. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

A HIGH FLYING PANTO ADVENTURE… BOOK NOW FOR ALADDIN AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE

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Leave winter behind this Christmas and escape to balmy oriental nights as The Market Place Theatre in Armagh takes you on a high-flying, magical carpet ride headed for the exotic and mystical lands of the East, with the spectacular and breathtaking pantomime ‘Aladdin’.

This year’s Christmas spectacular, ‘Aladdin’, will combine dazzling costumes, stunning sets, mischievous fun and thrilling musical numbers all wrapped up in an adventure unlike any you will have ever witnessed….oh yes it will!!

Join a cast of well-loved characters including old Widow Twanky and her poor son Aladdin, and let your imagination take flight with this action-packed and mesmerizing pantomime. Times are tough but Aladdin’s life is dramatically changed when he falls in love with the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom. Enter the evilest baddie in the Kingdom, Abanazer. Will the evil Abanazer destroy Aladdin’s dreams to get rich and marry the Princess? A high-flying adventure you won’t want to miss.

Performances will run from Saturday 1 December, right up to Sunday 23 December, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £10 to £15. Tickets are selling fast, with the best availability remaining on the last week.

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on [028] 3752 1821. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this annual festive hit, so book now, before it’s too late! There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

 

FESTIVE MISCHIEF AT THE MAC WITH ITS CHRISTMAS SHOW ‘THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER’

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This Christmas, the MAC is delighted to announce it will once again be collaborating with award-winning children’s theatre company Cahoots NI for a magical production of the classic fairytale, The Elves and The Shoemaker.

Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

Based on the much-loved story by the Brothers Grimm, The Elves and The Shoemaker is the uplifting story of a kind-hearted tradesman who has fallen on hard times and is assisted by a mischievous band of nocturnal fairy folk. Suitable for all ages, audiences will need to keep their eyes peeled for some of the fairyland’s best-known characters who just might pop up to make it Belfast’s funniest, festive family show.

As ever with the MAC’s Christmas shows, expect a unique twist on the traditional fairytale format with a funny script co-written by Simon Magill and Stephen Beggs, under the direction of Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, and an enchanting festive score from Garth McConaghie.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC has said, “Simply put, this year’s Christmas show promises to be absolutely spectacular. With the inimitable Sean Kearns as our eponymous shoemaker and some stellar performances from the likes of Clare Barrett and Jolene O’Hara, we’re really excited to revive this classic story for a modern family audience.”

Paul Bosco McEneaney adds: “We are very excited to be back at the MAC this Christmas after the huge success of Under the Hawthorn Tree in September. The Elves and the Shoemaker is packed with Cahoots NI’s signature magical touch and we cannot wait to welcome audiences into the Elfin world we have created!”

The show will run from Tuesday 27th November until Saturday 6th January, but with tickets selling out fast, book now to avoid disappointment! Avail of discount prices when you purchase a Family Saver ticket, valid Monday to Friday, which will save you 10% when you purchase 4 tickets or more.

This has been the busiest year for school bookings, with schools making a visit to the MAC an annual Christmas tradition. MACtile Tours, the MAC’s award-winning initiative to make the theatre a more relaxing experience for children with Autism Sensory Disorders, continues to bring the magic of theatre to more and more audiences. School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC For more information about the show or to book tickets for your festive family trip to the MAC, visit themaclive.com.

Studying Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths… Are you up for the STEM Quest Challenge?

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As part of the NI Science Festival, Titanic Belfast and The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), are calling all whizz kids to get involved with its annual STEM Quest (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths challenge).

To date, over 170 teams from across Northern Ireland have competed, with Lumen Christi triumphing last year.

Titanic Belfast and CCEA are now on the lookout for this year’s best science, technology, engineering and maths Key Stage 3 (1st – 3rd year) quiz teams of four to compete and test their knowledge against their peers from across the region, in a bid to become Northern Ireland’s top team.

The teams will compete in a ‘University Challenge style’ Grand Final, hosted again by well-known personality, Joe Lindsay, at Titanic Belfast on 12th February 2019. The closing date for entries for the STEM Quiz is 19th January 2019, spaces are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis. To enter, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach Manager, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to host our fourth STEM Quest Challenge supported by CCEA. To date, we have seen over 170 schools compete, and it is brilliant to see so many schools, teachers and pupils get involved and compete at such a high standard every year, especially as the need for Northern Irish STEM graduates grows. We are looking forward to this year’s competition so if you are science mad, geek chic or a mathematical whiz kid get your teacher to sign up and get involved!”

Justin Edwards, CCEA’s Chief Executive commented: “CCEA are delighted to be working together with Titanic Belfast on this year’s STEM Quest challenge, as part of the NI Science Festival.  NI’s young people continue to display an interest and enthusiasm in STEM, with our latest figures showing that over 40% of all GCSE entries are STEM subjects. The competitive, learning, fun environment that the STEM Quest challenge offers learners is wonderful and something which CCEA are delighted to encourage”.

The event is just one of the Titanic Belfast’s learning and outreach activities. It now a total of eight workshops and three guided tours and was recently awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education, joining leading historic houses, museums, galleries, such as Hampton Court Palace, Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and Edinburgh Castle.  For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/learning.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

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Down

Bangor’s BIG Christmas Switch On brings a full day of festive fun this Saturday 17th November.  The Christmas market returns to the seafront, with an abundance of festive treats on offer. With over 20 local market stalls selling artisan foods and local crafts this is the perfect spot to kick off some early Christmas shopping. Grab a hot drink and soak up the atmosphere with music, face painting, a children’s carousel and much more – it will definitely put you in a festive mood!.  A lantern parade with over 100 lanterns will take you on a journey from Translink to the McKee Clock Arena led by Santa and the Mayor of Ards and North Down. Christmas Lights Switch On McKee Clock Arena 5.30pm.  The Mayor and Santa will light up Bangor’s Christmas tree followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Armagh

The 25th William Kennedy International Piping Festival at the Market Place Theatre presents a Uilleann Pipes Concert on Sunday 18th November.  The festival’s annual flagship event features 6 world renowned masters plus a special showcase of young pipers from across Ireland featuring Louise Mulcahy, Mick O’Brien, Paddy Keenan, Seán McKeon, Seán Óg Potts, Síle Friel.  Young pipers showcase – Aoife Smyth, Peter McKenna, Jane Walls, Iarla McMahon & Amy Campbell.

Fermanagh

Never heard the Ulster Orchestra? Well here’s your chance to discover the magic of a full, live orchestra right on your doorstep at the Ardhowen Theatre this Thursday 15th November.  The Ulster Orchestra brings you Mozart’s beautiful Strassburg Concerto – the Strassburger being a popular folk tune which inspires the closing Rondo. Join star violinist Francesca Dego, conductor Daniele Rustioni and the Ulster Orchestra for a truly magical and memorable evening!

Tyrone

For the first time ever, the classic nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty is brought to the stage in a wonderful all singing and dancing interactive production at the Strule Arts Centre on Saturday 17th November.   Humpty is on a big adventure to climb the highest wall in the kingdom but needs your help. Singalong, solve puzzles and meet lots of famous characters including The Three Little Pigs, Little Bo Beep and the animals on Old McDonald’s Farm!  With amazing costumes, dazzling stage sets and a host of colourful characters.

Derry/Londonderry

Do you love running and dogs? Then this is the event for you and your canine friend!  Join Dog Trails NI on the stunning Benone Strand this Sunday for a canicross race and a day out your dog will love!  There will be a 5k race, and a novice and kids 3k race.  5k race 10.00am start.  3k race 11.00am start. Both races will be seeded fastest first with plenty of twists and turns on a course your dog will love!  Visit dogtrailsni.com for more information and to enter.

Antrim

Glengormley Lights Switch on and Christmas Market takes place this Saturday 17th November. Create a bear at the Christmas Fair Workshop at 1.30pm, 2.45pm or 4pm in Glengormley Pavilion. Tickets must be bought in advance from www.theatreatthemill.com and are priced at £5 per child, £2.50 per adult and include a visit to Santa’s Grotto. The Lillian Bland Community Park will be transformed with cosy cabins lining the path filled with Christmas gifts, food and treats from local traders as well as Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar’s festive craft market. Santa and his bear friends will arrive at 5pm to officially light up Christmas in Glengormley.

Belfast

CastleCourt’s much-loved Christmas parade will return to the streets of Belfast city centre on Saturday, 17th November, officially marking the shopping centre’s month-long calendar of festive activity.  Setting off from Writer’s Square at 12 noon, Santa will again lead this year’s exciting line-up in his train and sleigh, joined for the first time by Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Reindeer. The trio will lead the magical parade past St. Anne’s Cathedral along Donegal Street, arriving at Royal Avenue at 12.30pm.  Families are invited to follow the parade, alongside an amazing line up of giant characters and riveting performers, including glistening snowmen, sparkling Christmas trees and the cast of Belfast Operatic’s Elf The Musical, which will give spectators an exclusive preview performance of their new Christmas production.  The procession will culminate at CastleCourt, where Santa will take up residence in this year’s fabulous grotto at 1.00pm, and delight thousands of visiting children and their families until 24th December.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

  • One Night B&B, Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, Belfast from £86 per room

The four-star Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre combines a stylish newly refurbished decor with great service making it the ideal choice for a stay in Belfast. It is centrally located in the heart of Belfast, within a short walk to major attractions and the retail and entertainment districts. Offer includes one night accommodation with breakfast the following morning. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 028 9024 2494. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Two Night City Escape, Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry from £99 per person 

One of the first boutique hotels in the city, the three-star Waterfoot Hotel is situated just at the edge of the historic banks of the River Foyle and only a short drive or lovely scenic walk to the City Centre. Offer includes a two-night stay with full Irish breakfast each morning plus dinner on an evening of your choice. To book call 028 7134 5500. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Autumn/Winter Special, Rose Cottage, Cookstown from £35 per night

This four-star, self-catering cottage sleeps up to four people. Nearby to Lough Neagh and close to a number of cultural and heritage attractions this cottage makes an ideal location to explore the Cookstown area. Offer includes an overnight stay for £70, with additional nights from £35. To book call 077 4546 5251. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (12 – 18 November)

 

  1. Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 14 November. Ta Da Irish Dance Company presents the tale of the famous song ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supperclub in Belfast.
  2. Murder Mystery Evening, Derry~Londonderry, 16 November. Presented by the Play Dead Murder Mystery Company, this murder mystery evening at Bellahy Bawn asks you to help solve the case and bring the perpetrator of this heinous crime to justice. A light buffet and refreshments will be included.
  3. Belfast Christmas Lights Switch On 2018, Belfast, 17 November. An evening of fun awaits with mini shows and traditional carols before the big switch-on, with guests including Paw Patrol’s Skye and Marshall, Fireman Sam and Norman Price, and TV presenter Andy Day. Taking place at the front of Belfast City Hall, this family event is a great way to begin the countdown to the festivities.
  4. Taste Causeway 2018, Causeway Coast, 10 – 18 November. This 9-day culinary celebration, brought to you by the Causeway Coast and Glens, will showcase their vibrant restaurant scene as well as the wide range of superb local produce which the area has to offer. Taste Causeway promises themed nights, cookery classes, food tours, taster menus and opportunities to ‘meet the maker’.
  5. Walled City Tattoo, Derry~Londonderry, 16 – 17 November. The Walled City Tattoo returns to the Millennium Forum stage this year headlined by StickStoff, the Basel based drumming sensation.

The group will be joined by a total cast of over 300 performers in what promises to be a huge show.

  1. Atlantic Sessions, Causeway Coast, 15 – 18 November. A high quality, musical feast, showcasing original music. From traditional to contemporary, from electric to acoustic, Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart.
  2. Edelle McMahon, Newtownards, 16 November. Edelle McMahon performs at the Ards Arts Centre. Her album has received glowing reviews from journalists, bloggers and radio presenters, with captivating vocals and intricate guitar picking frame songs that feature a wry world view and incisive insight into character.
  3. HMS Caroline Lecture Series: The Royal Navy’s Final Year of War, Belfast, 15 November. Nick Hewitt, Head of Collections at NMRN will be at HMS Caroline. He will discuss how the Grand Fleet, probably the most powerful assembly of manpower and technology in the world at the time, continued to contribute to the war effort through 1917-1918, until it’s eventual, triumphant shepherding into captivity of a defeated High Seas Fleet, shortly after the Armistice.
  4. Foyle Film Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 16 – 25 November. Showcasing a range of contemporary, classic, cultural and new cinema, the Foyle Film Festival presents a fantastic line-up to suit any film fan. For full line-up, visit FoyleFilmFestival.org.
  5. Bangor Christmas Switch On, Bangor, 17 November.  Taking place in the town centre this lights switch on will be followed by a brilliant fireworks display over the marina waters. Your best vantage point for the fireworks is along the coastal path and from the promenade, so be sure not to miss it.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

The funniest, sunniest English ballet masterpiece!

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This November Birmingham Royal Ballet brings the sunniest and funniest of ballets to the Grand Opera House with the ever-summery La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter).

Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand? Of course, there’s no contest, but her mum has other ideas. Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle ensues.

Mixing spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy, a clog-dancing dame and a super-cute pony, as well as live music by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this is sure to be fantastic entertainment for you, your friends, and all your family!

★★★★ ‘Enchantingly and hilariously silly’ The Daily Telegraph
★★★★ ‘Unmissable’ The Daily Express
★★★★★ ‘If there is a happier ballet than Fille, then I do not know of it’ The Birmingham Post

 

Free Pre-Performance Talk
Friday 9 November 6.30pm. Call box office on 028 9024 1919 to reserve your place

A unique opportunity to hear about what it takes to be performance ready. Hear how Birmingham Royal Ballet stages its magnificent shows and what life is really like on the road. Talks are given by dancers of the Company as well as various members of staff .


Company class on stage
Saturday 11.45am | £10

Ever wondered what a ballet dancer does to prepare for a day of rehearsal and performance? This is your chance to watch an open Company class on stage and find out.

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